| Abstract [eng] |
This Master Thesis analyses the cases of teachers’ professional development system. The issue is topical to both the scientists as well as practitioners including teachers, administrative staff of educational institutions, education centers providing the services of professional development as well as other entities and individuals associated with provision of such services. The aim of this Master Thesis is to define the concept of teachers’ professional development and subsequently identify the situation of such services supply in Mažeikiai as well as the adequacy of such situation to the professional development demands of general education teachers in Mažeikiai town. Theoretical part of the thesis describes the concept of education policy as a part of the remit of public policy, and implementation of such policy in public administration. The concept of professional development of teachers is also presented along with its features and place within the education policy. This part also contains analysis of the professional development system, and its characteristics abroad. To get a picture of the professional development situation in the context of the education policy implementation and lay down the guidelines for improvement of the professional development, the scientific literature, legislation of the Republic of Lithuania and the European Union as well as strategic documents were analyzed along with the empirical study conducted in education institutions and education center of Mažeikiai town. Analytical part of the thesis aimed at determining the legal background governing the professional development of teachers, financing sources designated for this purpose, the situation of professional development in Mažeikiai town as well as the interplay of related supply and demand. Empirical studies served to identify that despite of existing numerous public institutions organizing, coordinating and assessing the professional development of teachers, there is no organization or body responsible for the entire system of teachers’ professional development, with the lack of clear strategy of actions in this direction and pre-determined as well as approved procedure. It was determined that all teachers are engaged in the process of the professional development with numerous trainings offered in this respect; however, such trainings only partially fulfill the needs of teachers, who indicate the lack of information on the professionalism of lecturers. It was also determined that the system is under-funded and this is the reason for refusing certain trainings. Based on the results obtained, the directions for development of teachers’ professional growth in Mažeikiai district were provided for and used as the basis to formulate the recommendations for administrative officials of Mažeikiai educational institutions, Mažeikiai education center and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania. |
